Eight scholarships were awarded to local high school students by Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce at a reception June 5, hosted by The Fairfax Retirement Community.

The 2018 scholarship recipients are Alyssa Thomas, West Potomac High School; Danielle Thomas, West Potomac High School; Michael Krause, Thomas Jefferson High School; Christopher Truong, Robert E. Lee High School; Emily Riffer, Robert E. Lee High School; Ian Peverall, Mount Vernon High School; and Alexander Morin, South County High School.

Emily Boehm, Mount Vernon High School, is the Ourisman Scholar for 2018.

This continues the chamber's annual tradition of giving scholarship to students planning to study business. The chamber has awarded scholarship for 20 years and these scholarships totaling $16,000 brings the chamber's cumulative scholarship giving to more than $200,000.

“In 20 years this organization has invested $200,000 in our community. We believe that these scholarships are an investment in these students but also, an investment in the future of our community,” said Scott Stroh III, chamber chairman. “We are building future business and community leaders.”

“The commitment the chamber makes to ensure scholarships each year is extraordinary,” said Holly Dougherty, executive director, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce. “Our youth are the future, and these scholarships are an investment in the future of our community.”